Hotel Morris Sydney: an underrated Art Deco gem in the city

hero media
This ultra-stylish hotel embodies the phrase “small but mighty".

While abundant amenities and expansive guestrooms are typical of large hotels, Hotel Morris Sydney – Handwritten Collection , proves that smaller establishments can be just as impressive, especially if you’re a design lover.

This boutique property celebrates Sydney’s rich architectural heritage and contemporary hospitality, a place where attention to detail is woven throughout. Having opened its doors in June 2023, it has quickly established itself as a standout addition to Sydney’s hotel scene, particularly appealing to style-savvy travellers.

Here’s everything to know before booking your stay whether you’re visiting Sydney or in need of a staycay.

Location

Hotel Morris is nestled in bustling Haymarket, at the southern end of the Sydney central business district. This puts you in a prime location to access major attractions such as Central Station, Capital Theatre, and Chinatown. Haymarket is very close to the city centre and boasts a diverse culinary offering, with over 200 Asian eateries for you to choose from. Sydney Airport is a 20-minute drive away.

the building exterior of Hotel Morris Sydney
The prominent Hotel Morris sign has been sensitively restored to its former 1930s glory.

Style and character

Hotel Morris exudes Art Deco charm merged with 21st-century amenities. Originally opened in 1929, it stood as Australia’s tallest hotel for 34 years. Designed by architect Virgil Dante Cizzio in his signature Inter-War Palazzo style, this building has undergone various transformations before a significant restoration turned it into the chic accommodation it is today.

the interior details of Hotel Morris Sydney
The accommodation is part of Accor’s Handwritten Collection.

The slim building stands proudly with arched windows that mimic the original design and prominent signage that has been sensitively restored to its former 1930s glory. Guests step through 1930s steel-framed doors and are welcomed by a space that impeccably blends historic and contemporary design, thanks to interior design firm Tom Mark Henry. The foyer is shared with the onsite restaurant Bar Morris. Here, an amalgamation of rich reds, pastel pinks, natural stone, original ornate moulding, handmade tiles, and Venetian plaster create an opulent yet welcoming ambience. Art Deco Murano chandeliers add an element of glamour to the space.

a bedroom with arched windows at Hotel Morris Sydney
Arched windows flood natural light into guestrooms.

The guest hallways feature custom wallpaper with playful graphics, while the guestrooms offer a lighter palette that’s a chic extension of the aesthetic established in the public spaces.

Overall, the design-led interiors reflect a thoughtful balance between preserving the building’s heritage and introducing modern elegance.

the bathroom interior at Hotel Morris Sydney
Ensuite bathrooms are sleek and contemporary.

Facilities

As Hotel Morris is on the smaller side, you unfortunately won’t find a gym, swimming pool, or parking on site. However, no visit is complete without a snack and tipple at the on-site dining venue Bar Morris.

Rooms

There are 82 compact but well-appointed rooms ranging from the cosy Bambina to the luxe Grande King rooms. These stylish accommodations are decorated in rich ochre and red tones, modernist furnishings, Art Deco-style lighting, colourful artworks from local artists, and bold textures—all of which create a welcoming ambience. All rooms feature walk-in showers, custom-designed beds and luxurious IIUVO soigné bathroom amenities.

a look inside one of the rooms at Hotel Morris Sydney
Grande King rooms are a good choice for those in need of more space.

Those looking for a bit more indulgence and room should book one of the Grande King rooms which feature a spacious lounge area with Art Deco-style seating, waffle-weave robes, and expansive arched windows.

a mirror on the wall of the bathroom, Hotel Morris Sydney
This stylish hotel is brimming with sophisticated Art Deco-inspired details.

Food and drink

Downstairs in the foyer is the hotel’s 40-seat Italian wine bar and restaurant, Bar Morris. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner this intimate space is perfect for a quick bite, afternoon tipple, or relaxed night in.

For breakfast, guests can choose from a continental spread with fresh fruit, pastries, and yoghurt, as well as à la carte like avocado toast and eggs and Italian eggs benedict.

the intimate dining at Hotel Morris Sydney
Slink into the elegant bar and restaurant for an intimate meal.

From 11am, the bar offers a tight list of deli-style bites to keep you fueled throughout the day. Snack on a baguette filled with mortadella, salami, pickles and romesco sauce or a sourdough sandwich of tuna steak arrabbiata, charred eggplant and zucchini.

Come evening, enjoy Italian classics such as mafaldine with pork shoulder ragu and pecorino and Spaghetti Alle Vongole. These are to be paired with Italian-style aperitifs like the Ocean’s Depth Martini with Seven Seasons green ant gin, dry vermouth, house brine and Sicilian olives. and a host of Australian and Italian wines.

Don’t miss taking advantage of the hotel’s Negroni Trolley service from 4pm to 6pm where you can choose from six varieties of Negronis made right outside your room.

a spread of food on the table at Hotel Morris Sydney
The menu has an array of offerings, from Italian classics to deli-style bites.

Accessibility 

Rooms that are fully equipped with accessible support for wheelchair users are available.

Family-friendly?

Hotel Morris is better suited for couples and business travellers rather than families.

Details

Best for: Business travellers, solo travellers, couples

Address: 412 Pitt St, Haymarket

Find other amazing places to stay in Sydney in our Accommodation Guide.

Rachael Thompson
Rachael Thompson is Australian Traveller's Evergreen Editor and a self-proclaimed cheese and Chablis connoisseur. In her role, she creates and manages online content that remains relevant and valuable over time. With a background in publishing and e-commerce in both interior design and travel, Rachael is dedicated to curating engaging content that informs and inspires. She began her career at Belle magazine, then went on to become Senior Content Producer at Homes to Love focusing on Australian House & Garden and Belle, followed by Editor at Bed Threads. Her work has also appeared in Qantas Travel Insider. When she's not writing, editing, or optimising content, Rachael enjoys exploring the city's newest restaurants, bars, and hotels. Next on her Aussie travel wish list are Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa National Park and Lord Howe Island.
See all articles
hero media

Harbour views and seasonal luxuries: this Sydney hotel is elevating Christmas

Luxury meets hyper-local hospitality with an exclusive Christmas stay package and menu you’ll want to be present for.

An Aussie Christmas is like no other. December signals the start of summer, celebrations and festive cheer. While Mariah Carey might not have defrosted just yet, we’ve got less than 100 days left of the year. So it’s time to start planning. Christmas at Park Hyatt Sydney is reimagined with a luxurious festive stay package. Celebrate with a curated summer tote, a special seasonal menu that captures the flavours of a Sydney summer and cocktails crafted to capture the spirit of a harbourside Christmas.

This is your sign to skip the end-of-year chaos and let Christmas be taken care of for you.

A stay at Park Hyatt

couple with champagne on the balcony of their park hyatt sydney room
Gaze out from your balcony to see Sydney’s icons.

If you love a room with a view, imagine waking up on Christmas Day to the sound of waves and a sunrise over the iconic Sydney Opera House. Step out to your private balcony to soak in the sun, and you’ll find you’re on the doorstep to the coastal cobblestone charm of Sydney’s very own Christmas boulevard, The Rocks.

Enter Park Hyatt Sydney, a 155-room harbour-side hotel, centered in the beating heart of a historic neighbourhood, seamlessly blending life’s little luxuries with living like a local. Spend long, summer days lounging by the rooftop pool with 360-degree views of this harbour city or indulge in tailored treatments at The Spa.

aerial of park hyatt sydney rooftop pool
Spend summer days by the rooftop pool.

Be seated in The Dining Room, overlooking sparkling waters, to taste the vibrancy of an Australian summer. Led by Executive Chef Tyson Gee, discover a lunch and dinner menu that heroes coastal ingredients.

The festive stay package

Park Hyatt Sydney has introduced a festive stay package to up the Christmas spirit. Guests will enjoy an overnight stay in a guest room or suite with uninterrupted views, valet parking and a full breakfast for two in The Dining Room.

The Summer Kit

branded tote bag of park hyatt sydney with the sydney opera house in background
Take home a branded tote bag.

Because it’s an Aussie Christmas, guests booking the package will also receive a curated, limited-edition Summer Christmas kit stocked with seasonal luxuries, including the hotel’s first-ever branded merch.

Think a signature Park Hyatt Sydney sun cap and Aesop sunscreen valued at $300, all in a branded luxury tote bag. This kit will also be available for purchase throughout December, if you’re in need of any gift ideas.

The details

The festive stay package applies to stays from 1 – 27 December, with a limited number of suites available. Guests can book using the exclusive offer code XMAS25 on parkhyattsydney.com . They can also call +61 2 9256 1234 or email sydney.park.accommodation@hyatt.com.

Christmas dining

christmas menu at the dining room restaurant in park hyatt sydney
Taste a special Christmas menu at The Dining Room.

For the gourmands who want to participate in the festivities but are unable to stay as an overnight guest, Park Hyatt Sydney can still be your Christmas go-to. Taste Chef Tyson Gee’s themed culinary creations throughout December .

From 1 – 24 December, diners can book a Christmas Afternoon Tea from $95 pp. Prepare for Christmas flavours like braised turkey pie with cranberry gel, plus gingerbread and salted vanilla bûche de Noël and a chocolate hazelnut bauble for dessert.

On Christmas Day, The Dining Room and The Living Room will both offer a five-course menu from $425 per person. Start with a glass of NV Taittinger Champagne on arrival – accompanied by Sydney’s finest seafood – and end with a reimagined mango pavlova, with rice pudding and pink peppercorn.

“Our vision was to capture the flavours of a harbourside Australian Christmas,” says Gee. “Guests will enjoy seafood at its best, from fresh oysters to cured ocean trout, paired with tropical fruit accents and festive touches like glazed Berkshire ham and roast duck. Every dish has been imagined for a harbourside Christmas celebration.”

Guests can also enjoy a range of seasonal cocktails crafted by Head Mixologist Kevin Botte, including the Christmas Negroni, Christmas Mulled Wine and a Christmas Cocktail/Mocktail.

Exploring Sydney

woman drinking festive cocktail in the dining room restaurant of park hyatt sydney
The best of Sydney is right on your doorstep.

For those planning a visit, Christmas at Park Hyatt Sydney means you’re perfectly situated to explore the best of Sydney.

The hotel is mere steps away from the icons, from Sydney Opera House to the Harbour Bridge, along with the Museum of Contemporary Art and the Royal Botanic Gardens. Add open-air galleries full of murals and explore the nearby cobblestone streets.

Head to the charming Rocks Markets, where the streets transform with seasonal Christmas creations, of the artisan and foodie variety. Then head over to Dawes Point Park for a picnic under the bridge.

Find more 360-degree rooftop views at the Glenmore, or listen to live music at Brewhouse at Squire’s Landing from Wednesday to Sunday (times vary). There’s something for everyone.

For more details on Christmas at Park Hyatt Sydney, visit parkhyattsydney.com or call +61 2 9256 1234.